Hinge for meter box covers



Dec. 24, 1935 J, TAYLOR 7 2,025,664

HINGE FOR METER BOX COVERS Filed Dec. 50, 1932 ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 24, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to meter boxes and it has particular reference to new and useful improvements in covers therefor and the principal object of the invention resides in certain new and novel hinge structures for meter box covers and the like having the maximum simplicity and ease of operation.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of an improved fulcrum diametrically opposite the cover lock and of such peculiar design as to hold the cover in raised position, yet allowing the cover to fall into locked position and be so locked without the aid of the key. The cover is by virtue of the hinge construction, de-

tachable from the box flange on which it rests, thereby making for economy should it become necessary to substitute a broken or impaired cover by a new one. In this or similar cases, it is necessary to simply lift the cover to separate the hinge sections.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved hinge construction capable of use in connection with the lock for meter box covers, described in my application for patent filed March 24, 1931, Serial No. 524,884, now matured into Pat. No. 1,891,961.

With the foregoing objects as paramount, the invention has particular reference to its salient features of construction and arrangement of parts which will become manifest as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the underside of a meter box cover showing the improved hinge.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view partly in section showing the improved fulcrum.

Figure 3 is another perspective view, fragmentarily showing the cover and flange and illustrating in detail the relationship between the slot and pin when the cover is in raised position.

Continuing more in detail with the invention, l designates a circular flange having a series of lugs 2. In ordinary practice, the meter box, which is not herein shown, is constructed of metal or concrete and in order to secure the flange I thereto, a wire is passed through the aperture in the lugs 2 and either embedded in the concrete fabrication of the meter box or affixed in some suitable manner to the metal type of box so that the flange l is movable relative to the box.

The flange l is annularly recessed to provide a seat for the disc-like lid or cover 3 which, as apparent in Figures 2 and 3, has a projection 4 integral therewith, which projection is received in a recess a in the flange I and is bifurcated as at b to receive a pin 5. The slot b is of such peculiar shape that when the lid 3 is raised, it will lie on an inclined plane and will thus be kept from falling. 5

Conventionally, it is the practice in mounting lids and covers to cast ears on the flange surrounding the cover and provide lugs or projections to lie between the .ears and pass a pin through the assembly. This practice requires 10 that the elements extend above the common surface of the cover, which would not be a practical construction for meter box covers. On the other hand, should be elements be disposed below the cover an effective and wholly practical fulcrum 15 is difficult to obtain. Therefore, the invention comprehends the provision of a fulcrum whose novelty lies in its embodiment in the flange with but a slight projection beyond the common surface of the flange. 20

- It is particularly important to note that the elements of the cover may be cast in one operation. This includes the pin 5 on Which the cover hinges and is a desideratum for economical construction and further, since no ribs or other re- 25 inforcing means are required, with the fact that but a single movable element is embodied in the structure, not only is an economical construction produced, but one which will meet all requirements as to durability and ease in the perform- 30 ance'and operation.

Manifestly, the construction shown in capable of some modification and such modification as is considered within the scope and meaning of the appended claim is also considered within the 35 spirit and intent of the invention.

' What is claimed is:

In a device of the class described, the combination with a flange member, of a cover having an elongated ear on its periphery and disposed below 40 the under surface of the cover and extending beyond the periphery thereof, .said ear having a slot therein having an open end adjacent the flange member, said slot being disposed normally in a plane parallel to the undersurface of the cover, said slot having an enlargement offset at its other end to provide a fulcrum for the cover and to hold the cover normally with its upper surface in a plane with the upper surface of the flange member and being displaceable with respect to the fulcrum point at different positions of said ear during the opening and closing movement of the cover.

LLOYD J. TAYLOR. 

